A FASHION retailer that closed 30 stores after it collapsed into administration twice has found a new lease of life – and shoppers are delighted.
The fashion brand sells clothes targeted at the over-50s and became a popular high street go-to several decades ago.
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After falling into administration in 2019, it is now opening at least seven new stores with the most recent one launching this week.
Paisley in Glasgow will see a new Bonmarche open shop tomorrow, September 22.
The store had closed down earlier this year after the lease expired but it is now starting afresh.
Shoppers were quick to point out their joy on social media, with one fan saying: “What delightful news.”
While another added: “I’m so happy they are opening again the staff were so helpful.”
And a third said: “How long though? Hopefully they haven’t negotiated a short-term lease, unfair on the staff.”
And a fourth commented: “Can’t wait for it to open again as nowhere else in Paisley for ladies clothes. Need a new winter jacket.”
On top of that, The Sun spotted several jobs on Indeed for new Bonmarche stores.
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Bridport, Seaham, Crawley, Oban, Thatcham, Spalding and Kirkby will also see, or have already seen, the arrival of branches.
For example, Bridport’s new shop opened on August 17, according to Bridport News.
Meanwhile, a store in Warrington opened up in April this year.
The Sun has asked Bonmarche for confirmation of when these stores are opening and if there are any more in the pipeline.
When Bonmarche first fell into administration in 2019, it put 2,700 jobs at risk.
It was then saved by Peacocks, but 30 of its around 300 branches were forced to shut their doors.
The business collapsed for a second time in 2020 in the middle of the coronavirus crisis when Peacocks fell into administration.
Bonmarche’s first store opened in Doncaster in 1985.
It isn’t the first brand to open new stores recently.
Last month, B&M opened several new stores across the country.
Locations included Glasgow, Reading and Berkshire.
The White Company, which has more than 60 stores around the UK, will open shops in five new locations by the end of November, The Sun learned.
The retailer confirmed to the Sun it is opening shops in the following new locations:
- Ringwood, Hampshire – August 24
- St Andrews – end of September
- Hitchin, Hertfordshire – mid-October
- Belfast – end of November
- Farnham – date not yet confirmed
The stores in St Andrews and Hitchin will join the local high streets, while the Belfast branch will be located in a larger shopping centre.
The Sun also recently revealed Costco, a major discount warehouse retailer, is planning a huge expansion in the UK with 14 more stores set to open in the next two years.
Bakery chain Greggs is also expanding this year, with plans to open a net total of 150 branches in 2023.
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